[Training and future of urologist residents and chief residents in France: results from a national survey among 154 urologists in training]

Abstract

Purpose: To raise an appraisal of French urologist resident and chief resident's demographic characteristics, activity, post-residency project, career desires and factors associated with obtaining a fellowship.

Methods: An electronic questionnaire was sent by email between June 2009 and January 2010 to the 288 French urologists currently in training. Items analysed included demographics, achievement of academic works and post-residency projects.

Results: Overall, we obtained 156 answers (response rate of 54%). Our population was composed by 47 (27%) fellows and 114 (73%) residents. They work 68.1 hours per week and 31 (20%) leave the hospital after an on-call night. Thirty-two (20.5%) have validated a master 2. Among the resident, 54 (47.3%) are certain to have the opportunity to be a chief resident. Regarding residents, factors significantly associated with the fact to obtain a fellowship in multivariate analysis were: to gain a master 2, working more than 65 hours per week and achieving academics works. Installation in a general hospital, a university hospital and a private clinic was considered by respectively 21.7%, 41.6% and 67.3% of young urologists.

Conclusion: French urologist resident and chief resident's work an average 68 hours per week. The determining factors in obtaining a fellowship are the realization of a master 2, a workweek exceeding 68 hours and the achievement of academic work. After completing their academic training, a majority of young urologists are attracted by private practice.